Well, I chatted with a guy at a machine shop nearby in Santa Clara, and we penned a line on the cases to follow with a band saw. He did a great job hugging the main case on each half and in leaving the bosses and lugs I initially want left. At this stage I have left the primary lip intact around the engine sprocket area and back up to where the lip meets the rear edges of the main case. I'll work on it once I've decided which direction I'd like to go with the primary.

I want this to be a cheap project, so will use donor parts left over from other projects where possible. I have an otherwise nice 53 frame that has had about 2 inches chopped out of the rear downtubes and the backbone then bent down to meet the new position. It could become a donor frame to play with, or in reshaping a rigid rear to fit, make it a cut down custom bike of some description. I lwould ike to work with the stock castings.

Sorry for the lack of postable pics as yet; I have some pics of the sawn-off cases but they're on my phone. I'll try to get some more when I visit the shop again to finish them a little better. It's amazing how narrow and tiny they are once the bulbous transmisson housing has been lopped off. I'd also be interested to see what weight can be saved here - the K/ironhead set-up weighs a tonne.

Patrick I personally have a great fondness for the look of the early 30s Husqvarna v-twins. The thirties bikes have a sense of elegance, quality, and innovation that is not often seen in more modern machines. I will see what direction this bike takes though. Progress will be dictated by parts availability and whim...

"Patrick I personally have a great fondness for the look of the early 30s Husqvarna v-twins. The thirties bikes have a sense of elegance, quality, and innovation that is not often seen in more modern machines."

I really can't add to this, I agree entirely. When I see a Triumph stretched to some ridiculous length behind the seatpost, with the chain whipping against an oversize back tyre, it makes my toes curl up. Those Husqvarnas are very handsome bikes too

Shoot, a man could have a good weekend in Dallas with all that stuff...

Partick !i found your thread by hazard and i am very impressionned !!!i have seen the drawings of your project ( really-really-nice !!! )-rear sprocket and disc on the outside of the frame -increased ground clearance under gearbox -you cut a motor ....and a gearbox too !!!! ( : respect to you !!! )- ...and all the other comps you will have to build by yourself ...

...i just wanted to say " this is custom-art !!!! "

finally : maybe we are simiar , you and me ...the difference is :YOU have the balls to work with TRUE vintage parts ....i don't have enough yet ...

anyway : SINCERELY , Patrick :good-good project ! keep on and do your best to give birth to an UNIQUE racer ! .